Wondering Where Samsung's 64-Bit Phone Is? D-RAM and Android Might be to Blame

While Apple is already offering a 64-bit smartphone in the form of the iPhone 5S, so far the 64-bit club for Android smartphones is looking a little sparse, meaning "non-existent." What's the deal with that, anyway? Various rumors have claimed Samsung is indeed working on a 64-bit processor, with some even thinking that the chip would make an appearance in the Galaxy S5. That isn't happening, but you'd think Samsung would be motivated to launch a 64-bit smartphone of its own since Apple is already a few steps ahead in that regard.

As it turns out, it may not be Samsung's fault. According to ETNews, which spoke to unnamed industry insiders about the issue, there are two things in particular holding back the launch of 64-bit Android smartphones. The first is the OS itself, which can't exactly boast full support for 64-bit architecture. As annoying as that might be for manufacturers ready to pull the trigger on 64-bit smartphones, it's at least relatively easy to fix. The second problem with launching a 64-bit phone might take a little longer to solve.

That's because the second issue revolves around D-RAM. For starters, D-RAM production costs have been seeing some increases lately, but it doesn't end there, as manufacturing the 3GB modules that would need to run along 64-bit chips would force changes to production lines. That's a pretty big setback, as changes to production lines to could translate to poor yields. So, until all of this gets sorted out, we'll just have to be patient as we wait for the first 64-bit Android handset.

For what it's worth, it does seem like manufacturers are working toward a future where 64-bit Android smartphones are indeed a reality. It just might take a while, as these insiders don't expect the first of these phones to become commercially available until the end of 2014 or the beginning of 2015. That could potentially put the launch first 64-bit Android phone a year or more behind the introduction of the iPhone 5S, which may not sit well with a few Android manufacturers. In truth, there are bigger things to worry about when it comes to the smartphones we use, but we'd lying if we said we weren't be interested in getting our hands on a 64-bit Android handset. Stay tuned.

Eric has been writing about the consumer electronics industry for the past three years, specializing in computers, video games, and of course, Android. Currently, his weapon of choice is a Nexus 4, after a rather difficult parting with a reliable Atrix HD. If there's one thing he loves more than attribute bonuses, it's hearing about the next big news item.